Tight security as Libya marks revolt anniversary

BENGHAZI, Libya (AFP) – Security forces were on high alert across Libya on Sunday as the north African nation marked two years since the start of the revolt that toppled Moamer Kadhafi after four decades of iron rule.

Borders have been closed and some international flights suspended amid fears of a new outbreak of violence.

The anniversary of the uprising that ended with Kadhafi’s killing in October 2011 comes as Libya’s new rulers battle critics calling for a “new revolution” and accusing them of failing to usher in much-needed reforms.

On Friday, thousands of people gathered in the main cities of Tripoli and Benghazi to celebrate the initial February 15, 2011 protest that ignited the revolt two days later.

There is no official programme for Sunday’s anniversary, but the authorities have taken steps aimed at preventing any violence on a day when spontaneous celebrations are expected.

Tahrir Square in Benghazi was set to be the focus of the celebration, attended by national assembly president Mohammed Megaryef, the de facto head of state, and members of the government.

Libya’s borders with Egypt and Tunisia were closed from Thursday for four days, and all international flights have been suspended except at the airports of Tripoli and second city Benghazi — the cradle of the “February 17 revolution.”

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said the measures were taken to avoid “any bid to undermine Libya’s security and disrupt celebrations marking the anniversary of the revolution.”

Checkpoints have also been set up across Benghazi and Tripoli.

“The joy that motivated people in towns and villages on February 15 and 16 has allowed Libyans to prove to the world that they are a civilised people who revolted against injustice and tyranny to gain freedom,” Zeidan said.

Opposition groups are demanding that former Kadhafi regime officials be barred from holding public office, and a leaflet circulated in Tripoli calls for a “popular revolt” and civil disobedience to bring down the current regime.

It is unclear who is behind the leaflet and the calls for protests, but Libyan officials and several organisations, including Islamic groups, accuse remnants of the former regime of fomenting protests to “sow disorder and instability.”

The authorities have threatened force against anyone who tries to derail anniversary festivities.

Benghazi was rocked last September 11 by an assault by Islamists on the US consulate there that killed US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

“Security is one of the challenges the country faces, especially the proliferation of weapons and the escape of thousands of prisoners” during the revolution, political analyst Suleyman Azqim told AFP.

“The new authorities are faced with immediate social demands that prevent them from implementing medium- or long-term economic or security strategies.”

Despite Libya holding its first free elections in July last year, Azqim said the country is not yet politically mature after four decades of dictatorship under Kadhafi.

The fear of fresh violence is strong among both Libya’s dwindling foreign community and Libyans who have rushed to stock up on food and domestic gas.

“We must be ready. One never knows what can happen, particularly since there is no stability in the country and the government is unable to impose its authority,” said one, Murad Abuajila al-Majbri.